Hello, welcome back and a Happy New Year to you all. Thanks for stopping by. We hope that you’ve had a fabulously colourful festive season.
As you’re reading this, no doubt your inbox is pinging with sales alerts, 20%, 30%, and even 50% off. Tempting isn’t it? But before you hit that buy button, here is our guide to bargain hunting.
1.Make a list
Seems obvious doesn’t it but how many times have you hit the shops without a firm idea of what you actually need? A shopping list will keep your mind firmly on the task in hand and you’ll be less likely to make a rash purchase ‘because it was under a tenner’.
2. Look for timeless pieces and basics
There’s a reason that the custard coloured Rara skirt is in the sale…because no one else wants it! Certainly the retailer doesn’t want to be stuck with it for another season. Don’t be sucked in by fashion-led items. Stick to timeless pieces such as trousers, jeans, jackets and coats.
The January sales are a good time to shop for investment pieces. Coats, boots and cashmere jumpers will be heavily discounted as retailers make way for their spring stock. Step up your game by visiting shops that are normally slightly out of your price range. Premium High Street stores such as Reiss, Karen Millen, Whistles, All Saints and LK Bennett have excellent sales and that leather jacket that was a little out of your reach before Christmas, may well now be very affordable.
4. Will it work in your wardrobe?
Before making a purchase, ask yourself,
Can I make at least three outfits with it?
Do I have footwear and outerwear to go with it?
Is it appropriate for my lifestyle?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, then there’s a fair chance that you will regret it further down the line.
5. Is it your colour and shape?
Just because your favourite blogger looks amazing in a bright pink oversized shirt doesn’t mean that it will be the same on you. Hold the item underneath your chin, preferably near natural daylight. Does it make you look fresher and more vibrant or does it make your skin look tired and dull? Use your smart phone to take a photo of yourself in the changing room. Does the item look good from all angles? Does it flatter your figure? Don’t settle for second best just because it’s in the sale. You can discover your own colours and style by booking in with your local Colour Me Beautiful consultant here.
6. Check out online customer reviews
You can learn a lot about an item of clothing before ordering it by reading the online reviews. If several comments mention that the sleeves are very long then you might want to swerve it. Unless you have long arms!
7. Can you wait?
By holding your nerve and waiting until the end of January, you might just bag yourself a bargain. Of course it means searching through the dreg ends but the reward could well be worth it. It’s not unusual to find 70% discounts.
Understanding your own body shape, colouring and style personality will enable you to build a wardrobe of very wearable clothes and . So why not invest in yourself this year with a full image makeover. You can find more information here.